About Us

Kentucky Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Kentucky Humanities is supported by the National Endowment and by private contributions. We are not a state agency, but are proud partners with Kentucky's cultural, heritage, arts, and tourism agencies.

Why are we Telling Kentucky's Story?

More than just history, by Kentucky's story we mean Kentucky's writers, inventors, judges, musicians, architects, doctors – in short, the contributions from every walk of life to the quality of life in Kentucky. We recognize a need to build civic engagement as well as literacy, and we want to involve all ages and all places from Pine Knot to Princeton. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone can learn from the stories of others. These stories, taken together, are the stories of our communities, our counties, our regions, and our unique Kentucky culture and heritage. They are the basis of our pride and the basic premise of community.

How are we Telling Kentucky's Story?

For short video about Kentucky Humanities, click here. Our popular living history Kentucky Chautauqua dramas will introduce your community to a dozen people who made Kentucky great. Kentucky Humanities magazine gives you fresh perspectives on our history and culture. And there's much more. Join us in Telling Kentucky's Story!

What are Humanities?

Humanity in all its forms. The humanities are the values by which we live, the ideas that organize our thinking, and all of the ways we communicate with each other. The humanities include the ways of knowing found in the academic disciplines of history, literature, and philosophy, as well as anthropology, sociology and psychology. But they encompass much more: religion, culture, the origins of Bluegrass music, the archaeology of landfills, Kentuckians' love for their counties, what they teach their children, why they make burgoo. All these things are the humanities.

56 State Humanities Councils

There are 56 humanities councils located in U.S. states and territories supporting local humanities programs and events. The state humanities councils are funded in part by the federal government through NEH. They also receive funding from private donations, foundations, corporations, and, in some cases, state government.

Telling Kentucky's Story

Our Vision

We want a lifetime relationship with every Kentuckian.

Our Sun

Symbolizes the illuminating power of the humanities in the lives of all Kentuckians.

Our Mission

Kentucky Humanities is dedicated to Telling Kentucky’s Story through programs and services that create a legacy of pride in the wealth of Kentucky culture, building civic engagement and supporting local humanities programs and events. We strive to enable all Kentuckians to take part in learning, sharing, and teaching each other about Kentucky’s rich heritage. We are committed to providing leadership and developing resources that support the needs of Kentuckians to examine our values, understand our common heritage, and build stronger Kentucky communities based on the knowledge, insight, and respect inherent in the humanities.